How to Upload VAST & VPAID Creatives

Integrate advanced video advertising into your campaigns with VAST & VPAID, standard formats for delivering XML-based video ads. Follow this guide to upload your creatives and troubleshoot common display issues.

Step 1: Select Creative Asset

Begin by selecting “VAST & VPAID” as your creative asset type. Click "Next" to continue.

Step 2: Enter Creative Name

Input a clear and descriptive name for your creative. This will help you track and organize your ads effectively within your campaign.

Step 3: Add Secure URL

Provide the secure URL (HTTPS) of your creative. This URL should point to a CDN-hosted VAST XML file and can contain Flash, HTML, or JavaScript content. Ensure that the URL is active and properly hosted for ad delivery.

Step 4: Click Upload

After entering all required information, click "Upload" to submit your VAST & VPAID creative.

Optional: Third-Party Tracking Pixel

You can enhance your video ad’s performance tracking by adding third-party tracking pixel with VAST ad tags. These allow you to track key video-related events throughout the ad playback, providing in-depth insights into viewer engagement.

Supported VAST Event Types include:

Impression: Fired when the video ad is loaded.
Click: Triggered when the user clicks the video ad.
Start: Fired when the video ad begins to play.
First Quartile: When 25% of the video ad is viewed.
Midpoint: When 50% is viewed.
Third Quartile: When 75% is viewed.
Completion: Fired when the entire video ad is viewed.
Skip: Triggered when the user skips the video ad (if skippable).
Error: Fired when an issue prevents the video from playing.

Troubleshooting VAST Creative Display Issues

Encountering issues with your VAST creative display? Here are steps to troubleshoot and ensure smooth ad delivery:

Test Your URL in a VAST Validator: Use a VAST validator to check if your URL returns valid VAST XML content. The URL should display VAST-compliant XML as per IAB standards.
Confirm Valid VAST XML Content: Access the URL in a browser to verify VAST compliance. If the response is empty, the URL may be inactive or incorrect. Contact your CDN or hosting provider to resolve the issue.
Address Creative Display Issues: If your creative passes the validator but still fails to display, ensure that your third-party hosting service isn't blocking domains like adnxs.com or restricting access based on geographic location (e.g., US/NY).

By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you can effectively manage and resolve issues with VAST & VPAID creatives. This ensures your video ads meet industry standards and deliver a seamless experience to your audience. For further insights, consult with a digital advertising specialist or explore additional resources on VAST & VPAID integration.